If you’re considering switching up the diet of your lactating beef cows, here are some tips that might help you decide what to feed them. Read on to learn more about innovative ways to feed lactating cows, including low-to-moderate protein (energy) supplements, maximum daily amount of feed, and the effects of under-nourishment on calf mortality. Below, you’ll discover how to choose the best diet for your cows.
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Innovative ways to feed lactating beef cows
In the northern Great Plains, native range can meet the nutritional needs of lactating beef cows during the peak forage production period (late May to early June). However, in some areas, such as in Texas and Oklahoma, early spring calving cows reach peak milk production before the forage species have reached peak production. In these cases, producers must supply higher-quality forages or supplements to supplement the forages and feeds available early in the spring.
Low to moderate protein (energy) supplements
Energy-protein supplements for lactating beef cattle have several advantages. They may improve overall performance without significantly reducing forage intake. Studies have shown that low to moderate supplementation of ruminally degradable protein during lactation improved udder health and reduced post-partum intervals. In addition, high-energy content of these supplements may improve the overall body weight. Low-to-moderate protein (energy) supplements for lactating beef cows are an inexpensive way to improve the health of your herd.
Depending on the performance objectives, low to moderate protein (energy) supplements for lacting beef cows may be beneficial. Forage intake increases when the cows graze corn stalks and are complemented with vitamins A and phosphorus. The cattle should be moved once visible husk is visible on the field. This may require supplementing the cattle with vitamin A and phosphorus.
Maximum amount of feed
The daily requirement for protein in beef cows is 2.7 pounds per 1,000 pounds of body weight. On a dry matter (DM) basis, this amount is roughly equal to 2.8 lbs of hay per lactating cow. If fed hay that contains at least 88% dry matter, the total daily intake for such a cow would be 2.8% DM. After calving, hay will need to be supplemented with protein.
The amount of dry matter and hay consumed by lactating beef cows varies with their size, body condition, and production stage. It depends on several factors, including the forage and supplements fed, the environment, and other factors. Fiber diets increase the rate of digestion and passage of the feed, whereas poor-quality roughage has a slow digestion rate. A cow consuming a high-fiber diet would not require more than 2% of her body weight each day.
Effects of under-nourishment on calf mortality
Under-nourishment of beef cows may result in reduced birth weights, reduced colostrum production, and increased calving difficulty. The newborn calf born of an underfed cow is weak, slow to suckle colostrum, and is prone to sickness. In addition, under-nourishment of beef cows may decrease the calf’s immunity and lower its birth weight. Overall, under-nourishment of beef cows may result in reduced calf performance and decreased production.
The amount of energy consumed by a lactating beef cow increases significantly during the last trimester of gestation. This increase in energy requirements is related to the genetic potential of the cow for producing milk. The amount of energy required for pregnancy is greater than the amount required for sperm production, so a pregnant cow will shut down lactation if she is not fed enough energy. In addition, an energy-starved animal breaks down muscle tissues for energy, which reduces its physical activity and immune system. A prolonged starvation period can lead to death of the cow.
Nutritional program targets cost of production
A nutritious diet is the cornerstone of a successful cattle production enterprise. In a milk-producing enterprise, 40 percent of the operating costs are related to nutrition. The majority of these costs are associated with purchased hay and concentrate feeds. As such, a nutritional program represents a significant cost-cutting target for producers. Nutritional status is closely related to reproductive performance and cuts to this program may have negative effects on calving and pregnancy rates.
Currently, a high-producing dairy cow requires a special diet to meet the needs of a lactating heifer. Milk-producing cows require carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the cow should have access to water. Finally, a lactating dairy cow must have access to feed her calf or heifer. A nutritional program is an important element of milk production, but it should not overdo it.
